How to Scan on Brother Printer HL-L2390DW: Top Tips and Tricks

Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your Brother HL-L2390DW printer? This versatile machine isn‘t just for printing; it’s a scanning powerhouse too! Whether you need to digitize important documents, capture photos, or create digital copies, the HL-L2390DW has you covered. But navigating the world of scanning can feel overwhelming, especially for first-timers. This guide will walk you through every step, from basic scanning to advanced features, ensuring you become a scanning pro in no time.

Getting Started: Preparing for a Scan

Before diving into the actual scanning process, it’s crucial to set up your workspace and ensure your printer is ready. Here’s a checklist to get you going:

• Connect your printer: Make sure your HL-L2390DW is connected to your computer or network. This can be done via USB cable or wirelessly.
• Install the software: Download and install the latest Brother printer drivers from the official website. These drivers are essential for full functionality and compatibility.
• Load your document: Place the document you want to scan face down on the flatbed scanner glass or into the automatic document feeder (ADF).
• Choose your scan destination: Decide where you want to save your scan. This could be your computer, a network folder, or a cloud storage service.

Scanning from Your Computer: The Easy Way

The most straightforward way to scan on your HL-L2390DW is through your computer using the Brother software. Here’s how:
1. Open the Brother software: This can usually be found in your Start menu or by searching for “Brother” in your programs.
2. Select “Scan”: Look for the “Scan” option within the software interface.
3. Choose your scan settings: You’ll have options to adjust scan resolution, color mode (black and white, grayscale, or color), file type (PDF, JPEG, TIFF), and more.
4. Select your scan destination: Specify where you want the scan to be saved. This can be your computer, a network folder, or even a cloud service.
5. Start the scan: Click “Scan” or “Start” to initiate the scanning process.

Utilizing the ADF: Scanning Multiple Documents with Ease

The HL-L2390DW’s automatic document feeder (ADF) makes scanning multiple documents a breeze. Follow these steps:
1. Load your documents: Place your documents face down in the ADF tray, ensuring they are aligned correctly.
2. Select “Scan”: Open the Brother software and choose the “Scan” option.
3. Configure your settings: Adjust the scan resolution, color mode, file type, and other settings as needed.
4. Select “ADF” as your scan source: This will tell the printer to use the ADF for scanning.
5. Start the scan: Click “Scan” or “Start” to initiate the scanning process. The printer will automatically feed and scan each document in sequence.

Exploring Advanced Scanning Features

The HL-L2390DW offers a variety of advanced features to enhance your scanning experience. Here’s a look at some of the most useful ones:

• Two-sided scanning: Save time and paper by scanning both sides of a document simultaneously. This is a great option for multi-page documents.
• Scan to email: Send scans directly to email addresses without saving them to your computer.
• Scan to cloud services: Upload your scans directly to cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.
• Scan to USB drive: Save your scans to a USB flash drive for easy portability.
• Document editing: Some Brother software versions allow you to edit scans directly, including cropping, rotating, and resizing.

Troubleshooting Common Scanning Issues

While scanning is generally straightforward, you might encounter some minor hiccups along the way. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Check your printer connection: Ensure your printer is properly connected to your computer or network.
• Update your drivers: Out-of-date drivers can cause scanning issues. Download and install the latest version from the Brother website.
• Restart your printer and computer: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches.
• Clear any paper jams: Remove any paper jams from the ADF or paper tray.
• Clean the scanner glass: Dust or smudges on the scanner glass can affect scan quality.

Mastering the Art of Scan Optimization

To get the best possible scan results, consider these optimization tips:

• Choose the right resolution: Higher resolution (measured in dots per inch, or DPI) produces larger files but results in sharper details. For everyday documents, 300 DPI is often sufficient. For images or documents requiring exceptional detail, consider 600 DPI or higher.
• Select the appropriate color mode: For black and white documents, choose “black and white” mode. For color documents or photos, select “color” mode. Grayscale is a good option for documents with shades of gray but no color.
• Use the correct file type: PDF is a great choice for preserving the original document format. JPEG is ideal for photos or images. TIFF is a lossless format, meaning it preserves all image data and is ideal for archival purposes.
• Adjust brightness and contrast: Use the software settings to adjust brightness and contrast for optimal clarity.
• Experiment with settings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different settings to find the perfect balance for your specific needs.

Beyond the Basics: Exploring Advanced Scanning Techniques

For those who want to delve deeper into the world of scanning, the HL-L2390DW offers more advanced features:

• Scanning business cards: Many Brother software programs include a dedicated business card scanning feature that extracts contact information from cards and saves it to a digital contact list.
• Scanning photos: The HL-L2390DW is capable of scanning photos, offering various options for image optimization and editing.
• Scanning documents to a specific file format: Choose from a variety of file formats, including PDF, JPEG, TIFF, and more.
• Scanning to a specific folder: Organize your scans by creating dedicated folders for different projects or document types.

The Final Scan: Your Journey to Scanning Mastery

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’re well on your way to becoming a scanning master. Remember, practice makes perfect! Experiment with different settings, explore the advanced features, and discover the full potential of your HL-L2390DW. Scanning is no longer a daunting task; it’s a powerful tool to enhance your productivity and streamline your workflow.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q1: Can I scan directly to a cloud service without using a computer?
A1: Unfortunately, the HL-L2390DW does not offer direct cloud scanning without a computer. You’ll need to use the Brother software on your computer to scan and then upload the scans to your desired cloud service.
Q2: Can I scan multiple pages at once using the ADF?
A2: Yes! The ADF is designed for scanning multiple pages consecutively. Simply load your documents face down in the ADF tray, and the printer will automatically feed and scan each page.
Q3: What is the maximum resolution I can scan at?
A3: The HL-L2390DW has a maximum optical resolution of 600 x 600 DPI. This means you can scan images with up to 600 dots per inch in both the horizontal and vertical directions.
Q4: How do I clean the scanner glass?
A4: Gently clean the scanner glass with a soft, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.